Who will become BYU's next Starting Quarterback?

On June 4^th 2009, is when you could say talk of who would become BYU's Quarterback in 2010 was heating up.  Why?  That was when Jake Heaps, one of the nation's top QB recruits in the 2010 class made his very public decision to announce he was going to take his talents to Provo.   A commitment that led to loud roars amongst the hundreds of BYU fans who crammed into a Salt Lake City Iggy's Sports Bar & Grill to witness Heaps' version of "The Decision".

Ever since that day all of Cougar fandom has had water cooler talks of who they think the next Cougar QB will be.  It seemed like Cougar fans were already looking past the exceptional career of Max Hall, and wanting to focus on what 2010 will offer.

Now Cougar fans have got their wish.  The school's all-time winner at the Quarterback position (Hall) is now gone, and the time has come for a new Quarterback to take over the reigns at Quarterback U., with BYU's Fall Camp firing up this Saturday.

Here's the players that will be competing to become BYU's starting Quarterback this season, and some background information on each of them.

Jake Heaps

Height:  6-2

Weight:  205

Year:  True Freshman (Skyline High School (WA))

What You Should Know:  Heaps has become a fan favorite amongst BYU fans already.  Not necessarily because of his highly touted status in recruiting circles, but the way he approached the recruiting process was a breath of fresh air to many Cougar fans, who had time and time again been left at the alter by the elite LDS recruits on Signing Day.

Heaps, not only decided to make a commitment early but was also working on landing top-flight players to join him.  Something never seen at BYU, and I would argue not many recruits around the country did what Heaps was doing.  And at end of the day, Heaps was a very key part in BYU signing one of the school's best classes in their history, at least on paper.

In Heaps' three years as the starter at Skyline High School in Washington.  Heaps led the Spartans to three state championships and a 40-2 record as the starter.

Heaps was an MVP of the Elite 11 QB Camp which invites the nation's top High School Quarterbacks to participate in a week long camp.  Heaps came away with the top honors, and was labeled the most "College Ready" Quarterback in the group.

Enrolled at BYU in winter semester and participated in Spring practices, and did nothing to hurt the hype he was receiving.

Riley Nelson

Height:  6-0

Weight:  207

Year:  Junior

What You Should Know:  Back on Memorial Day 2008, it was announced while on his mission that Nelson would be transferring from Utah State to BYU.  At the time, it looked like southpaw Nelson was definitely going to be the heir apparent after Hall left.  Now with Heaps in the mix it's a toss-up.

Last season, as Hall's primary backup, Nelson saw time mainly in mop up duty.  In those few reps he had Nelson put on display what made him a High School legend in the state of Utah, his running ability.  Nelson had 21 rushes last season for 122 yards, a 5.8 average for those of you math wizards out there.  Another aspect that gives Nelson a edge is the fact that he is the only player in this group that has had actual game-time reps.

Biggest knock on Nelson is his arm strength.  But again he makes up for that with his exceptional wheels.  A very talented and mobile athlete who has an uncanny knack for making plays.

James Lark

Height:  6-2

Weight:  200

Year:  Sophomore

What You Should Know:  Lark a former Utah High School standout at Pine View High School (St. George) has been considered to be the #3 QB in this race going into camp.  Back in 2006, he redshirted in his first season.  Then in 2007, looked like Lark was going to go on a mission but one week prior to Fall Camp he decided to put off the mission for a year.  Reason for that was he wanted to compete for the starting QB job that season, which of course eventually was won by Max Hall.

Then after the 2007 season, Lark went on his mission.  While out on the mission field Lark received tragic news from back home, the passing of his long-time girlfriend in a car accident driving down Provo Canyon.  Many wondered if Lark would even dare pursue football anymore after such a tragic loss, but he has and is competing very well amongst the other QBs in this QB competition.

Jason Munns

Height:  6-5

Weight:  244

Year:  Redshirt-Freshman

What You Should Know:  Just another highly recruited  player that BYU has in their QB arsenal.  Munns was rated the #15 QB by Rivals.com in the Class of 2007.

Along with excelling in football, Munns was a basketball player in High school as well.  At 6-5 Munns is a very good athlete.  Was clocked in with a 4.8 40-Time back in High School.

When Munns decided to commit to BYU, BYU had two standing offers to Quarterbacks in the 2007 class.  Munns and Griff Robles from Spanish Fork High School.  When Munns pulled the trigger and committed to BYU, Robles then scrambled and chose Utah.  Guess you could say Utah was stuck with BYU's sloppy seconds.

While at BYU, Munns has been in the program for only one season, 2007, and in that year he redshirted.  After the 2007 season participated in 2008 Spring practices then went on a mission.  Recently came back home over the summer from that mission and will be ready to go for Fall Camp.

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So who do you guys feel will be the starting Quarterback in 2010 for BYU?

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